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Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions that older adults experience. One in three people, 65 and older, has some degree of hearing loss. The number of people impacted increases with age: 50% of adults 75 and older have impaired hearing. As age is the largest indicator of developing this chronic condition, it is likely that high numbers of residents in nursing homes are also navigating hearing loss. Supporting a loved one’s transition into an assisted living facility can be challenging. But there are useful tips you can practice to make this transition easeful.
Support Hearing Loss Treatment
The first major step to take is to ensure that your loved one has treated their hearing loss. Though this may seem obvious, hearing loss is often underdiagnosed, delaying treatment for quite some time. Impaired hearing results in a reduced ability to hear and process sound which produces a range of symptoms. These symptoms strain communication and can make daily living more challenging. Treating hearing loss not only alleviates these symptoms and maximizing hearing ability, but also improves overall health.
Treating hearing loss reduces the risk of developing other health concerns like cognitive decline, depression, and accidental injuries. Additionally, people are better able to have conversations and communicate effectively which is particularly important for residents in a nursing home.
Make Sure Hearing Aids are Used
The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These electronic devices are designed to absorb and process sound which significantly helps a person’s hearing in all settings. It can take time to adjust to hearing aids and integrating them into everyday life. People may forget to wear them or not wear them throughout the day. However, it is incredibly important to develop a practice that includes the regular wearing and caring for hearing aids.
There are various ways you can support your loved using their hearing aids including:
- practicing with them while they get familiarized with their device
- verbally reminding them
- labeling their hearing aids, purchasing attachments that can be clipped on which makes them less likely to lose
- helping them identify where they will be stored overnight
Your regular reminders and emphasis on hearing aids use can really help highlight the importance of daily wear!
Consistent Communication
It is important to engage in consistent communication with your loved one. Transitioning to a nursing home, especially with hearing loss; can create confusion, a feeling of lack of control, and contribute to anxiety. Be sure to:
- communicate early about what is going on, what they can expect, and next steps
- include them in the plans, ask about their preferences/needs/wants etc.
- regularly ask about how they feel and what they are experiencing
Additionally, it is also useful to develop relationships with the nursing home staff. Establishing consistent communication with staff is an integral part of making this transition smooth. Communicating your loved one’s preferences, helpful reminders, and other details helps provide quality care that is tailored to meet their needs. Developing this relationship also involves you in their care which is valuable. Nursing home staff can also help remind your loved one to wear their hearing aids!
Help Develop Routine
Developing a routine is a useful way to support hearing aid use and maintenance. This can include:
- Setting up a system for overnight storage so that hearing aids are optimally protected
- Having a recharging unit that is easily accessible
- Checking batteries regularly
- Establishing daily cleaning procedure that thoroughly cleans device
You can help your loved one establish this routine and practice it with them so they become familiar and comfortable with their device.
In addition to these tips, you should also encourage your loved one to have their hearing assessed consistently. Hearing health can change over time which could require treatment to be adjusted. Annual hearing tests are a great way to check-in and identify hearing needs to ensure they are effectively being met. If a hearing test is in order, contact us today to schedule an appointment.